On February 17, 2012, the US Foreign-Trade Zones Board (FTZB) issued new regulations for the operations of the US FTZ program. According to the Department of Commerce website, these new regulations are “designed to improve the FTZ program’s flexibility and responsiveness – including for export activity – and to enhance ease-of-use and transparency.” This is the first regulatory change for the FTZ program in more than 20 years and will streamline the process to receive benefits of activating as an FTZ.
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The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) recently issued its February 2012 Zones Report with news affecting US Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs). Included in this informative newsletter are the following topics: read more…
Share this Post[?] US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) today to change the In-Bond process. The full text can be found here, but below is a brief summary taken from the Federal Register, Volume 77, Issue 35, that states the changes being proposed by CBP. Also below is information on how the trade can provide their comments on the NPRM, which must be received by April 23, 2012.
Share this Post[?] The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) has once again pulled together a great conference for its annual Spring Seminar. Being held in Atlanta, Georgia this May 6 – 7th, the 16th Annual Spring Seminar will feature sessions focused on the changing world of FTZs, best practices and lots of chances to network.
Share this Post[?] There are many aspects to consider when making global sourcing decisions and looking at all of them is critical before signing any contracts. One way to ensure that all areas of cost are being reviewed in your company is to make sure the trade compliance and procurement departments are in sync. Find out how these departments can find hidden costs and act in a proactive mode, instead of reactive, when implementing a global sourcing strategy. Join Integration Point & DPM Consulting for an educational, free webcast on February 29th at 2:00 p.m. EST to learn more about Global Sourcing Best Practices – What Trade Compliance & Procurement Can Accomplish Together.
Share this Post[?] Whether you are just learning about US Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) or if you’ve been operating a zone for years, knowing where to go when you have a question or need more information is crucial. Below are some resources that you can bookmark and visit when you need answers to your FTZ questions.
Share this Post[?] Today is big day for electronic in bond filers (also known as QP/WP) in the US, as this marks the beginning of the move to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). With the planned decommissioning of the Automated Manifest System (AMS) in about six months, it is important for all QP/WP filers to begin making this transition to ACE. To insure a smooth transition for you and your company, first be sure to take a minute to get to know ACE.
Share this Post[?] After a successful event last year, the US Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Board will be holding another free FTZ grantee outreach event in Washington, DC on February 8, 2012, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The forum is for officials of grantee organizations or other public agencies and will be broken into a morning and afternoon session.
Share this Post[?] When WCO HS updates are released the affect is typically limited to a few companies within certain industries. However, this time the 2012 updates are affecting more industries and companies. The timing of these changes going to effect in the US is also causing some issues for those companies operating US Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs). To assist those companies with knowing which HTS number should be used on the CF3461 and the CF7501, Integration Point has created this document of FAQs to assist with this transition.
Share this Post[?] The Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Board has just released its 72nd Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010, which confirms the continuing importance of the FTZ program in promoting US exports, commercial activity, and economic recovery.
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